Avril: Being Essays on the Poetry of the French Renaissance

Published in 1904, 'Avril: Being Essays on the Poetry of the French Renaissance' by Hilaire Belloc is a collection of essays analyzing key figures in 16th-century French poetry, including Charles of Orleans, Villon, and Ronsard. Belloc emphasizes the significance of these poets and their contributions to European culture, while also addressing the historical neglect of French literature in English thought. The work serves as both a critical examination and a celebration of the literary richness of the French Renaissance, highlighting its impact on subsequent literary movements.